Let the word go forth
from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new
generation of Americansborn in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard
and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritageand unwilling to witness or permit
the slow undoing of those human rights to which this Nation has always been committed, and
to which we are committed today at home and around the world.(President John F. Kennedy, January 20, 1961)

Yesterday's Heroes Inspiring Tomorrow's Defenders of Freedom

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw...
The torch; be yours to hold it high
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow in Flanders fields.

(John McCrae's closing lines from his epic poem "In Flanders
Fields")

These pages are
designed to link America's youth with men and women who have valuable life experiences to
share. It is a VOLUNTEER speakers' bureau, a state-by-state listing of
veterans, active duty military men and women, public servants, and others who are willing
to give of their time to speak to schools, youth organizations, and patriotic activities.
This listing is developed from the voluntary enrollment of professional speakers
and every day citizens who have a message to share. We invite teachers, youth
leaders, and others to contact these volunteers for special events or just an impromptu
sharing time.

DISCLAIMER: HomeOfHeroes.com endorses ONLY those speakers about whom
we have personal knowledge. These are indicated by the silver-star icon at left.
All other resources in this listing are comprised from individuals who have
indicated a desire to share. While we are certain that they are dedicated Americans
with an interesting story or message to share, it is the responsibility of the individuals
contacting them to insure that all appropriate steps are taken whenever you are
introducing children to strangers.

All speakers
listed in these pages have indicated their desire to share their stories, experiences
and/or knowledge FREE OF CHARGE, to speak in schools, youth organizations, and other
functions. Bear in mind that as volunteers, they offer their services on the basis
of their available time and resources. Don't feel bad when one speaker you contact
indicates that they simply can not "work you in". Understand they all have
other responsibilities and can only do so much. If one speaker is not able
accommodate your plans, keep trying.

To make it
easier for you to find the speaker(s) you are looking for, we have first categorized them
by state and city. Usually you will have your best results in finding a speaker
conveniently located to your site. To further assist you in finding the right
speaker for your program, we have included a series of KEY ICONS to help you identify
more specific information on prospective speakers. Below is a description of these
icons you will find in our listing pages:

ICON KEY

ENDORSED: These are speakers endorsed by
HomeOfHeroes.com

PROFESSIONAL SPEAKERS: These are individuals who make
a living or supplement income as professional speakers. They offer their
services FREE OF CHARGE to schools and youth organizations, but are also
available for paid speaking engagements.

WILL TRAVEL: Volunteer speakers who will accomodate
schools and organizations outside their home town but within driving distance (usually
less than 200 miles).

WILL TRAVEL ANYWHERE: Volunteer speakers who will
accomodate schools and organizations anywhere for the cost of travel and accomodations
only.

PUBLIC SERVANTS/POLITICIANS: Individuals who can speak
from personal experience about service in the political and civic process.

VETERANS OF MILITARY SERVICE: Men and women who have
served in uniform and can speak about patriotic service in our Nations military forces.

COMBAT VETERANS: Men and women who have served in
uniform during time of war or conflict, and who can speak personally about service and
sacrifice.

ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY: Men and women who are currently
serving in uniform (including National Guard and Reserves).

MILITARY RECRUITERS: These are active duty military
personnel who are on recruiting duty. (These can often be one of your best sources
for speakers.

MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENTS: It is a rare and wonderful
experience for our Nation's young to meet one of the last of the few remaining TRUE
American heroes.

FAMILY MEMBER OF A MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT: From a
historical perspective, the sons, daughters, and other relatives of a TRUE hero can have
much to say and share.

ADDITIONAL SPEAKER PROFILE INFORMATION AVAILABLE:
These are speakers who have provided us additional information in the form of a resume
page. Whenever you see this icon, you can click on it to open that speaker's
biography in a separate window.

PERSONAL WEB SITE AVAILABLE: Speakers who have
additional information in a personal web site. When you see this icon, click on it
to view that speakers personal web site in a separate window.

Click on Your State on the Map or follow the links below it
to find a list of speakers in your area.(Hit the BACK button on your brower to
return to this Page.)

Your Country Needs You!
Help us build a comprehensive list of resources for those who are working to teach our
young citizens the importance of patriotism, duty to God and Country, and service with
honor. Click on the recruiting poster at left to find out how YOU can add your name
to our database of volunteers dedicated to preserving our history by sharing with others.
You don't have to be a polished, professional speaker, or for that matter even a
war hero...just a dedicated American who is willing to help pass the Torch of Freedom to a
new generation of Americans.